Kaolinite nanoscrolls are nanotubular structures that are of interest due to their ability to uptake various reagents (e.g., drugs, heavy metals, etc.) and to host chemical reactions. Formation of these nanoscrolls, however, remains a challenge due to several slow and complicated steps, including the methylation of kaolinite, which takes place after intercalation of dipolar species. The research reported in this presentation shows that one can significantly reduce the overall reaction time by effectively impacting key steps through microwave processing. This approach serves to speed up pre-intercalation, methylation, and intercalation steps prior to scrolling. Subsequently, solvothermal methods are used to convert the kaolinite into nanoscrolls. Kaolinites and the derivatives obtained in this work were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). It is seen that after each step the obtained powder pattern result corresponds to different structures which are supported by IR spectra. SEM and TEM images reveal the journey from platy kaolinite to sheets and finally curled nanoscrolls. Accelerated surface area and porosimetry measurements were used to characterize the change of surface area using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory and porosity behavior for the product series from kaolinite to kaolinite nanoscrolls.

Rapid formation of kaolinite nanoscrolls through microwave processing

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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